Bridgeport Stories

Wayne Winston details what it was like growing up in Bridgeport Connecticut, where we are today with the #BLM movement, and what we can do to move forward.

Nick Roussas, owner and manager of Frankie's Diner in Bridgeport Connecticut at 1660 Barnum Ave shares what it was like growing up in Bridgeport. He also speaks about how he eventually became the owner of Frankie's Diner. Roussas delves into the history behind the diner, what he enjoys most about serving the Bridgeport community, and how things are constantly changing in the world of take out dining. With the ever changing COVID-19 situation, Nick talks about how that has not only affected his business, but his personal health.

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Monette Ferguson, Executive Director of ABCD, Inc.. in Bridgeport. In our show, Dr. Ferguson discussed what it was like growing up in Bridgeport during the 1980's and how a focus on education paved the way to transform her into the leader she is today. Coming from an upbringing with a military and family first oriented background, Dr. Ferguson explains how her position as Executive Director of ABCD, Inc. is one that she takes seriously. The goal of the organization is to not only eradicate the root causes of poverty in Bridgeport, but statewide.

Learn about how A Pinch of Salt owner Chef Raquel Rivera made her way to Bridgeport and all of the ways in which she is helping our communtiy eat more healthy!

Former city of Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch and now Executive Director of the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport Connecticut discusses growing up as an adopted child. Bill talks about his family history and relatives involved in World War II on D-Day. He also talks about his involvement in the new Mario M. Cuomo Tappan Zee Bridge and his views on science.

Bridgeport's past has roots in the occult. Coincidentally, one infamous figure in history also has roots in Bridgeport. Jack The Ripper's mysterious travels could have very well placed him on a path to Bridgeport. There were indeed a few murders in the city during the late 1800's that point to the infamous murderer. Mike Bielawa tells us that story!

Have you ever wondered what that building is across from Bass Pro Shops? It’s the continuation of the future of Bridgeport! The man behind the construction progress there, Steve Tyliszczak, is a Bridgeport native who grew up in the 1960’s and has quite the history story for you about Bridgeport.

For Marianne Schmidt, art was not her first love. However, it has become her passion and a way of expressing herself and love to others. How did she go from corporate America and equestrianism to winning a national painting award? You don’t want to miss out on this Bridgeport Story and miracle.

Gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1972, Walter “Put it in the bucket” Luckett has made strides in the sports world. Today, he puts his knowledge of the basketball game to use to help the younger generation succeed and become more than just an athlete; A student athlete. Walter describes how sports and education go hand in hand and how he was noticed as a student of Kolbe Cathedral high school.

Some have asked Max Medina “What’s in your drinking water?” The question is a sly way of asking, “Being a Bridgeport native, what did you do differently to find success in Harvard?” Max Medina is a successful lawyer and Harvard graduate with roots from Bridgeport. What did he do differently? Don’t miss out on this episode as we delve into his story and find out what it takes to attend an Ivy League school no matter where you come from.

Responsible for more than forty years of Bridgeport construction development and redevelopment, something makes Phil Kuchma keep his business, Kuchma corporation, in Bridgeport. His properties range from commercial, industrial, institutional and residential projects that range in size and are responsible for positive contributions to the community. You may have resided in one of these buildings and/or been in one if you’re from Bridgeport. Listen to the man behind the construction for the whole unadulterated story.

The Men in Black. That name is synonymous with the likes of Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, and Hollywood. What about Bridgeport? Apparently, Bridgeport has one of the earliest sighting of these men! Listen to historian Mike J. Bielawa chat about the history behind this illusive group and their connection to Bridgeport.

Named, “Mr. Bridgeport” by his colleagues, Harry Weichsel is a Bridgeport, Connecticut success story. From growing his family business “Fashions on Wheels” and converting it into the popular boutique The Fashion Showcase; to the completion of sales on local and international properties, Harry Weichsel is living the American Dream. As with all heroes, beginnings are never easy. Check out Harry Weichsel’s full story on our show as he details his early life of leaving Nazi Germany with his mother, to finding success in the United States.

With the karaoke scene growing, it seems as though Bridgeport has been left behind. This is no longer the case as Stratford resident Benny Rivera makes his way to Bridgeport to plant some exciting new roots in our downtown area. In this episode, we discover more about Benny’s exciting new development and how BLVD Karaoke found its way to Bridgeport.